Day Lilies Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 4 min read| 1,415 found this helpful

Hemerocallis spp.

All varieties of Hemerocallis spp. are highly toxic to cats even if only small amounts are ingested

Day lilies are confirmed non-toxic to dogs, so no adverse effects are expected from canine exposure

The specific toxic principle in day lilies remains uncharacterized per official ASPCA data

FAQ

Is Day Lilies toxic to Humans?

No confirmed toxicity reports for human ingestion are available as of current research (Non-toxic)

Is Day Lilies toxic to Cats?

Vomiting, inappetence, lethargy, progressive kidney failure, and potentially fatal outcomes (Severe)

Is Day Lilies toxic to Dogs?

No known toxic effects associated with day lily ingestion per available clinical data (Non-toxic)

Is Day Lilies toxic to Horses?

No confirmed clinical signs of poisoning reported, toxicity risk remains unknown (Unknown)

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Toxicity Details

Humans

Non-toxic

No confirmed toxicity reports for human ingestion are available as of current research

Cats

Severe

Vomiting, inappetence, lethargy, progressive kidney failure, and potentially fatal outcomes

Dogs

Non-toxic

No known toxic effects associated with day lily ingestion per available clinical data

Horses

Unknown

No confirmed clinical signs of poisoning reported, toxicity risk remains unknown

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsAll plant parts (flowers, leaves, roots, pollen) are suspected toxic to cats, even small nibbles carry risk

Exposure RouteIngestion is the primary exposure route; cats may also be exposed by grooming pollen off their fur

Toxic CompoundsToxic principle is currently unidentified per ASPCA toxicology research

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

• If a cat ingests day lily material, immediately remove all remaining plant parts from the cat's mouth, fur, and surrounding area
• Collect a sample of the ingested plant for accurate veterinary identification
• Contact a veterinary professional immediately, do not wait for symptoms to appear before seeking care

Contact Vet Immediately

• Any confirmed or suspected day lily ingestion by a cat, even if no symptoms are visible
• A cat displays vomiting, reduced appetite, or lethargy after potential exposure to day lilies
• A cat with access to day lilies shows signs of reduced urination or abnormal kidney function

Prevention

• Do not grow day lilies in homes or yards that are accessible to cats
• Inspect all cut flower bouquets for day lily blooms before bringing them into a household with cats
• Educate all household members on the severe, potentially fatal risk of day lilies to feline pets

Treatment & Prognosis

• Veterinary decontamination via induced vomiting and activated charcoal administration to reduce toxin absorption
• 24 to 72 hours of intravenous fluid therapy to support kidney function and prevent permanent renal damage
• Symptomatic supportive care for vomiting, dehydration, and other presenting clinical signs

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Professional Toxicology

Scientific NameHemerocallis spp.

AliasesDaylily、Hemerocallis

Toxicity Grade

HumansNon-toxic

CatsSevere

DogsNon-toxic

HorsesUnknown

Target Organs

KidneysGastrointestinal tract

Mechanism of Action

• Exact toxic mechanism is not yet identified, but the unknown toxin rapidly targets feline renal function leading to acute tubular necrosis

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Dog: No adverse effects expected from ingestion of day lily plant material

Horse: Toxicity risk is unconfirmed, no clinical cases of poisoning reported to date

Small companion mammals (rabbits, guinea pigs): No confirmed toxicity data available, exposure should be avoided as a precaution

Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Easter Lily Lilium longiflorum

Both have large, showy trumpet-shaped blooms and are commonly found in cut flower arrangements; Easter lilies are also highly toxic to cats. Key difference: Day lily blooms only last 1 day, while true lily blooms persist for multiple days, and day lilies grow from rhizomes rather than bulbs.

Hosta Hosta spp.

Young day lily foliage closely resembles broad, arching hosta leaves; hostas are only mildly toxic to pets, while day lilies are severely toxic to cats. Key difference: Hostas do not produce the tall, bright flower stalks characteristic of day lilies.

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Related Toxic Plants

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera

Moderately toxic to cats and dogs

Red Hot Poker

Kniphofia uvaria

Low toxicity to all common domestic animals

Adam's Needle Yucca

Yucca filamentosa

Moderately toxic to dogs, cats and horses

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Data Sources

1. ASPCA Animal Poison Control

This information is for reference only and does not constitute medical advice. If ingestion or poisoning is suspected, seek medical or veterinary attention immediately.

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